NY Knicks Demand Zohran Mamdani Halt Campaign Ad, Deny Endorsement
The New York Knicks have formally requested mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to cease using their logo in campaign materials. This action includes a “cease and desist” letter, emphasizing that the basketball team does not endorse his candidacy.
Cease and Desist Letter from the Knicks
Mamdani, running as a socialist Democratic nominee, had included an altered version of the Knicks’ logo in a campaign advertisement. The logo was modified to replace “Knicks” with “Zohran”. This advertisement first aired during the Knicks’ season opener and was shared widely on social media, accompanied by the statement, “This is our year. This is our time.”
Team’s Response
The Knicks expressed concern that the advertisement could mislead the public into believing there is a connection between the player and his campaign.
- The Knicks categorically stated, “We do not endorse Mr. Mamdani for Mayor.”
- They requested all campaign material containing their intellectual property be removed.
- Legal action may follow if the use of their logo persists.
The basketball team highlighted the unauthorized use and underscored their position regarding the campaign. As of Friday, all online advertisements featuring the altered logo were taken down.
The Context of the Campaign
The controversy comes as the Knicks’ owner, James Dolan, remains relatively silent regarding the mayoral race. However, he has shown political inclinations by previously supporting independent candidate Diana Florence for Manhattan district attorney.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Knicks aim to safeguard their brand while expressing clear boundaries regarding political endorsements. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical relationship between sports branding and political campaigning.
